Some Considerations on theRuralesof Porfirian Mexico

Las Fuerzas Rurales de la Federación, commonly called therurales, were a prominent institution of Porfirian Mexico and a significant instrument of the dictator's power. Contemporary travelers, journalists, and political propagandists either praised or condemned them and compared them to the Texas Rangers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the SpanishGuardia Civil, Rosas’Mazorca, and even to Ivan the Terrible'sOprichniki.Almost all histories of Porfirian Mexico mention theruralesand indicate their significance to Diaz’ prolonged absolute control of the country. Without specific study and serious scholarship, however, the origin, nature, and exploits of theruraleshave acquired legendary characteristics. Because of their relative success in curbing brigandage on the one hand and their alleged brutality on the other, they became symbolic of both the order and the ruthlessness of Porfirian Mexico. The popular accounts of theruralesare easily divided into two categories—viz., those of Diaz’ apologists and those of his detractors. The following observation by Ethel Brilliana Tweedie is typical of the former.